Our resident hummingbird perches on the airplant branch attached to the palm tree outside our door. He sits still, carefully preening his miniature feather wings. I am fascinated this tiny creature migrates seasonally from the hot Panamanian sun to as far north as Smithers, British Columbia, in Canada’s western interior. While I complain about a 20 minute walk in the searing sun, it is nothing compared to the flight pattern of this exquisite fragile-looking bird. I am here in the city of David in central Panama to research my latest book. It’s almost easier to write than walk in this heat! Just returned from an exploratory tour in the jungle on the Caribbean side of this isthmus. A perfect scenario for a hero and heroine.

To survive in the jungle if lost you can eat termites. Yep. These are the little fellas in the large dark nests growing on the tree bark but close to the ground. Tear off the papery covering and watch them scatter. Then like a big bear scooping out honey, reach in and scoop up a mess of termites. Pop them in your mouth before they escape to your arm or other body parts. Chew them immediately. They tend to move while inside your mouth (they are still alive!) and sometimes get caught between teeth. Our guide says they provide you with protein but you’d have to eat lots and lots. And the taste? Some report a taste like almonds, others say celery seeds. Take your pick! The jungle is filled with exciting flora and fauna, too. We caught a rare glimpse of the Helicopter Damselfly. This stunning flying insect has translucent wings except for its edges so it takes on the appearance of a helicopter when it flies.

And are you having trouble with unwanted insect houseguests? Simply do what our guide and his family, who live in the jungle, do. He reports sometimes army ants invade his home. He and his family move out for a few days while the army ants act like mini Molly Maids. They seek out and devour/destroy any hidden scorpions or cucarachas (cockroaches). When the family returns the army ants are gone and so are the hidden pests. A perfect example of living with Nature, not against it. More jungle vignettes next blog.